INSPIRATION:The main inspiration behind AL FARAGH was to resolve an annoying issue women face when out in restaurants. Ladies are often confused as where to put their bags and this was the answer. In all of our designs, we always aim at creating a unique handbag that has a specific function, a concept we have learned from our initial profession; architecture, and that we apply onto our collections of handbags.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The handbag we are presenting is called AL Faragh, which means The Void in Arabic. The Void is the particular feature of this handbag that makes it completely unique. Along with its unusual shape, the void has created a one of a kind feature that allows ladies to hang their bags onto the tables when having lunch or dinner, solving a daily basis issue they usually encounter. It also allows it to be carried in many different ways and divides it into two distinct compartments.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:This handbag has a side void that allows women to hang it on the table when they are out or travelling. It also has a gold plated chain that can be used to wear “Al Faragh” as a shoulder bag or it can be completely removed in order to be carried as a clutch, depending on each customer’s preferences.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:This Project started in November 2014 in Beirut Lebanon and was finished in April 2015 in Beirut. It was first launched in the designers' atelier in Beirut then exhibited in summer expositions, the First one being "Zaytouna Bay - Designers Exhibition" in the downtown of Beirut.

FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:This handbag is handmade using genuine calf leather. The gold leather is lizard print and the green leather is called "satiné". The accessories used are gold plated.

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:We did a market survey in order to learn about the issues women face because of their handbags. We wanted to offer them solutions that are relevant to them and handbags that would actually be useful as well as aesthetically pleasing. We had two kinds of surveys: oral ones (one-on-one interviews) and written ones (via e-mails). The findings were similar in many countries and we decided to start by tackling the most common issue, hence the creation of AL FARAGH. We also designed many more handbags to address the other problems they encounter.

CHALLENGE: We encountered a major problem related to the design itself while in the process of creation of this handbag. In order to create an aesthetically pleasing bag and in order for the void to be strong and not cause problems, it had to be carefully crafted and the manufacturers we were dealing with had to do numerous samples before we approved it. We wanted the handbag’s finishing to be flawless. We also wanted to use two kinds of leather in order to externally differentiate between the two compartments. We also wanted the bag to be strong and not be weakened by the void. All of these requirements took time before a final and pleasing answer was found.

PROFILE:saQué is a luxurious brand of handbags that target women who like to own beautiful and innovative handbags. Realizing that there was a gap in the market, founders and designers Chantal and Daisy el Jurdi, were determined to differentiate themselves and their brand by providing handbags that were not only beautiful but that also had a purpose. This concept stems from their architectural background that helped them develop their unique approach.
The aim of the brand and in particular the aim of the Function Collection is to answer some of the demands of women today. The handbag presented for this Award belongs to this Collection, and is called “Al Faragh” which means “The Void” in Arabic. The idea for this particular design was born after the founders and sisters gathered information based on market research and determined some of the most common issues faced. One of these issues was the placement of their bags when they were out. Resolved on providing an answer, Chantal and Daisy created a fashionable solution: Al Faragh.
Thanks to its side void that gave it a strong visual impact, women were now able to hang their bag on the table beside them. The void also created a statement handbag that can be worn in many different ways: as a clutch, a shoulder bag or a handbag that can be carried by its side handle. The void also created two internal compartments where the belongings can be divided and well organized.
The comfort of women as well as their need to own fashionable pieces is the main drive behind saQué and is the motivator of the designers who strive to always present ground-breaking and fashionable solutions to their customers.

· This project is currently confidential as results have not been announced yet. Images and further details of the project is not available for public yet, please check back later. If you are the owner of this design, please login to view the images.